Gorseinon entrepreneur opens new local convenience store following funding from santander

Local Gorseinon entrepreneur Sarfaz Ahmed is to open a new Premier convenience store in the West End area of the town following £170,000 in funding from Santander Business Banking. The new shop will be unique in the West End and offer local residents a wider variety of goods, improved offers and promotions.

Mr Ahmed has been searching for the right store for him and his family to run together and utilise his experience in the retail sector. Mr Ahmed has also purchased the empty shop next door and plans to refurbish it into a café, employing three members of staff, with the focus to build each business into a key amenity for the neighbourhood. The Premier store will be open seven days a week with extended 7am – 10pm opening hours.

Santander Business Banking is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners set up, invest and grow small businesses across a range of sectors. The bank is providing funding for this first time purchase to Mr Ahmed but also a trading account, merchant services and an overdraft to support working capital.

Sarfaz Ahmed said: “I’m delighted to be able to open and invest in the Premier franchise. There will be so many changes to see in the upcoming months, and I strongly believe this Premier store will benefit the neighbourhood community. Local residents are underserved and I will look to build this, and the café, into a much loved, locally focused convenience. The support from Santander Business Banking has been fundamental in helping me seize an opportunity to expand.”

Paul Williams, Relationship Director at Santander Business Banking, said: “Santander Business is focused on helping individuals such as Mr Ahmed to realise their dreams and truly capitalise on opportunities. We are delighted to be supporting Mr Ahmed and his family as they start on this exciting new venture.”

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Notes to editors
For media enquiries regarding West End Store Ltd please contact:
Sarfraz Ahmed      T: 07503175161      E: safahmed94@live.co.uk

Media Enquiries
Lara Lipsey      T: 020 7756 4518      M: 07713 560 209      E: lara.lipsey@santander.co.uk 
Josephine Dencker      T: 020 7756 4221      M: 0759 2113877      E: josephine.dencker@santander.co.uk  

The Santander Business Banking press office operates from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Outside of these hours please call 0800 5877708.